World So Cold

4

Ricky

"Ricky Allie, breakfast is ready." We race downstairs to the table. Mom always made the best french toast. Dad was already there with coffee and a book. We all sat down together, the snow falling outside. Christmas music playing softly in the background.

The smell of french toast filled my nose and for a moment I thought the dream was real.

I sat up quickly in a panic. I was in a room in someone's bed with someone else's clothing on. How the fuck did I get here. The last thing I remember was looking for Ryan.

The door creaks open, "Ricky you alright." Ryan sits on the side of the bed.

"You didn't have to do this for me."

"I wanted to, you're my friend."

"Thank you."

"No need." He strokes my hair for a minute. "When you're ready I made some food for you."

The clock read 4:37am. I got out of the bed and pulled on the sweat pants. Everything was big but it felt comfortable and smelled good. I wander out and follow my nose to the kitchen.

"Sit down I'll get you a plate."

He sets down a large stack of french toast soaked in butter and syrup in front of me. I wait for him to sit before practically inhaling it.

"Woah slow down you might choke." Ryan chuckles.

I duck my head and do as asked not wanting to upset him. Halfway through my meal I felt sick to my stomach. I put a hand over my mouth. Getting the message Ryan leads me to the bathroom. He holds my hair back while I throw up in the toilet.

Tears find their way to my eyes once agian. "I'm sorry."

"Hey hey its ok." He pulls me to his chest rubbing my back. "Let's get you to bed, I'll get some ginger ale to settle your stomach. I sniffle as he carries me back to his bed.

I really did feel like crap, I've felt like crap for awhile. I guess I got so used to being sick I didn't notice it until now. Ryan comes back with the ginger ale and a bucket.

"Why are you going through all this trouble for me?"

"Because I care about you, and you're not trouble at all." He kisses the top of my head making me blush.

"Don't you have to work?"

"I actually don't even have to go much since I own it. Why, do you want me to?"

"No, I mean if you want to but"

He puts a finger to my lips. "Youre cute Ricky." My blush deepens.

"Why don't you get some rest, you look like you need it."

"Can you stay with me?" I whisper.

He lays down with his arms open. I happily crawl into the warmth and comfort I'd been craving for so long.

Ryan

I stare at the adorable boy sleeping in my arms. The fact that he'd made it so long in the cold told me he wasn't as fragile as he looked. But that wouldn't stop me from treating him as if he were made of glass.

My fear was that he'd try to leave when he woke up. I knew he felt as if he were a burden, I also knew he was broken. All I wanted to do was put him together the best I knew how. But only if he'd let me, I would never force anything on him unless I absolutely had to for his own safety. The thought that someone hurt this beautiful thing was beyond me.

I wanted him to feel safe and loved. And warm he never stopped shivering. I pulled another blanket over us and held him tighter. It seemed to help but not much. He made a cute little noise and nuzzled against my chest.

Please please stay with me.

Ricky

The tree lights twinkle and Home Alone was playing. I snuggled closer to my mom, her fingers running through my hair until my eyes slipped shut.